Groupe Client Finance Lead

Job Description

This role provides a unique opportunity to work alongside the Global Client lead on an important client for the Groupe.

The Groupe Client Finance Lead (GCFL) is a senior finance role charged with providing overall financial and commercial leadership on Publicis’ Global Client Accounts.

It is principally and fore mostly a role that sits in partnership with and support to, the Groupe Client Lead of the account (GCL).  

The objective of the role is simple - to support the achievement of profitable growth of Publicis’ business with Clients across all capabilities (Creative, media, digital, technology and data). This should be achieved through the application of excellent commercial and financial management on the business, driving the needs of the client’s financial health and growth through the matrix of brands, solutions and geographies.

The GCFL must also ensure objectivity and consistency in representing Publicis Groupe’s best interests, with no internal bias for any one Brand within the Groupe.

Provide financial oversight and management of the Global Client to which this role is accountable. Effectively manage all key internal and external deliverables as appropriate.

• Partner with Global Client Leader (GCL) to develop annual client plan in alignment with strategy and growth targets
• Partner with GCL to maintain expert and fluid knowledge of client’s business models, contractual arrangements, key strengths, and opportunities. 
• Continually advise business partners and finance leadership on issues within the client portfolio that impact the business, escalating as necessary and appropriate.
• Work with GCL/Client team to negotiate Global retainer  and any other Global assignments.
• Supporting and advising on global negotiations
• Run monthly business reviews with the GCL/Client leads with the client.
• Act as day to day interface with finance and procurement contacts at the client,
• Provide a single point of finance connectivity both internally and externally surrounding the client’s business for Publicis
• Manage FX and tax implications of cross boarder invoicing, seeking support from Publicis Groupe treasury & tax departments as is required
• Liaise on client finance matters with Groupe brands and other Groupe companies servicing clients
• Maintain focus on client profitably; identify underperforming grands/units, disciplines and work across Publicis matrix to implement corrective action to improve profitability
• Monitor client account net working capital (especially overdue) and work with client and Publicis Treasury to maintain an acceptable level within the parameters of our agreement
• Provide thorough analysis and insights and communicate appropriately
• Actively seek out and create solutions to solve problems before they escalate
• Work with GCL to demonstrate continued improvement in Publicis value proposition for the client

• Lead in partnership with GCL and key internal stakeholders,  all aspects of client finance management including contract and/or SOW negotiation, fee negotiation, audits, pricing and client finance dispute resolution with the aim of increasing revenue and maximizing profitability

• Review financial reporting and provide business analysis to the GCL as is required
• Work with units and worldwide reporting teams to ensure integrity and accuracy of Client account financial reporting in HFM

Qualifications

CRITICAL SKILLS

• Highly numerate graduate with either professional qualification (CPA / CIMA or equivalent) or MBA preferable
• At least 10 years business experience,
• Global experience is preferred, time in alternate markets or overseas posting a plus
• Strong analytical, communications and negotiating skills
• Relentlesshunger to achieve results and grow business
• Able to identify opportunities to sell the Groupe proposition & solutions, intuitively understands the art of up-selling and cross-selling to drive and unlock new opportunities
• Experienced and demonstrated success in a highly matrixed structure
• Communicates clearly, accurately and succinctly both verbally and in writing
• Excellent interpersonal skills including ability to work across different cultures and financial systems
• Previous senior level experience in a demanding financial / client finance role involving contract negotiation
• Has confidence and credibility to manage senior level client procurement and financial relationships as well as senior internal stakeholders